April 18, 2012

Students win annual award as part of National Volunteer Week

A Kansas State graduate student and Kansas State student organization are being recognized for their outstanding service to the Manhattan community, as part of the nationwide Celebrating People in Action initiative.

HandsOn Kansas State announces the four winners of the eighth annual Celebrating People in Action community service awards. Outstanding Student Volunteer is Rebekah Carnes, graduate student in sociology . Outstanding Student Organization is International Buddies. Outstanding Youth Volunteer is Wesley Garibay, sophomore at Manhattan High School. Outstanding Community Group is Youth Impacting Community.

All winners were chosen based on their demonstration of exemplary leadership in service and commitment to addressing a need in the K-State and Manhattan community. Each winner was recognized at the Celebrating Service and Leadership ceremony on April 15 and received a $250 check to donate to the nonprofit organization of their choice. Outstanding Student Volunteer Rebekah Carnes chose to donate to the Manhattan Emergency Shelter Inc. Outstanding Student Organization International Buddies chose to donate to World Friendship. Outstanding Youth Volunteer Wesley Garibay chose to donate to Manhattan Young Life. Outstanding Community Group Youth Impacting Community chose to donate to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

HandsOn Kansas State hosted the eighth annual Celebrating People in Action community service awards to kick off National Volunteer Week, April 15-21. National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 as signature week of volunteer recognition celebrated across the country, and draws the support of the government and President. Many local nonprofit organizations do not have the resources or funding to be able to thank their volunteers, so the Community Service Awards are an opportunity for these nonprofits to show their appreciation to those who help them.

HandsOn Kansas State is grateful and appreciative for all of the volunteers who donate their time and efforts. Local nonprofits often depend on the skills and dedication of these individuals. However the Manhattan community is always in need of more volunteers. HandsOn Kansas State creates opportunities for people to volunteer, learn and lead in their communities. We strive to provide volunteers with a high-quality experience, and achieve this by connecting volunteers with service opportunities in Manhattan and by creating our own volunteer projects. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to visit our website at www.handson.ksu.edu to check out all of the volunteer opportunities going on in Manhattan.

Financial contributions for the Celebrating People in Action community service awards are provided by Community 1st National Bank.

For more information regarding Celebrating People in Action or HandsOn Kansas State, please contact Jackie Baker.

HandsOn Kansas State is a student-run volunteer center and a program of the School of Leadership Studies. HandsOn promotes civic learning and leadership by engaging campus and community in meaningful volunteer and service opportunities.